![Castello di Querceto "Cignale" Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT 2012 (Tuscany, Italy) - [RP 94+] [JS 93]](http://artisan.wine/cdn/shop/products/nophoto_fc01e2b2-a0b7-4a23-863e-94b399644875_{width}x.gif?v=1609876307)
Castello di Querceto "Cignale" Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT 2012
(Tuscany, Italy) - [RP 94+] [JS 93]
Regular price $85.00 Sale price $69.97 Save $15.03
Notes from the Winemaker:
Deep crimson with garnet reflections, ample and elegant bouquet; extract-loaded, powerful, round, rich and well balanced on the palate, with a magnitude that speaks of the unique terroir; extremely persistent.
Food Pairings: Structured, rich dishes, red meat and game.
Serving Suggestions: Best uncorked at least 2 hours beforehand, and served at 18-20° C (64.4-68° F)
Cellar Life: Over 20 years
Vineyard location: Ponticini-La Sorgente, close to Greve in Chianti
Blend: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon + 10% Merlot
Vinification:
Maceration on the skins for approx. 20 days at c. 28° C (82.4° F); undergoes full malolactic, 6 rackings over the first 12 months, and élevage in new and 12-month-old French barriques for about 20 to 24 months. After a further year, it is clarified and unfiltered at bottling, then bottle-ages a minimum of 6 months. Altogether, the wine is not released until 3 to 4 years from harvest date.
Ratings & Reviews
94+ Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"Made with Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot, this is a tight and beautifully enriched Tuscan red. The 2012 Cignale sees fruit in a hot vintage harvested from a cool, high-altitude vineyard site. This combination of extremes makes for fantastic results and produces a fine sense of balance and elegance. The wine is aged in French oak for two years and only 10,000 bottles are made. The finish shows soft fruit with earthy tones of button mushroom and underbrush that remind you of the rustic Chianti Classico countryside." - Monica Larner (Jan 2017)
93 Points - James Suckling:
"Aromas of sage, blueberry, and bark follow through to a medium body, fine tannins and tangy acidity. Delicious now but will age well. A solid cabernet sauvignon and merlot blend as always." (Jul 2016)
Deep crimson with garnet reflections, ample and elegant bouquet; extract-loaded, powerful, round, rich and well balanced on the palate, with a magnitude that speaks of the unique terroir; extremely persistent.
Food Pairings: Structured, rich dishes, red meat and game.
Serving Suggestions: Best uncorked at least 2 hours beforehand, and served at 18-20° C (64.4-68° F)
Cellar Life: Over 20 years
Vineyard location: Ponticini-La Sorgente, close to Greve in Chianti
Blend: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon + 10% Merlot
Vinification:
Maceration on the skins for approx. 20 days at c. 28° C (82.4° F); undergoes full malolactic, 6 rackings over the first 12 months, and élevage in new and 12-month-old French barriques for about 20 to 24 months. After a further year, it is clarified and unfiltered at bottling, then bottle-ages a minimum of 6 months. Altogether, the wine is not released until 3 to 4 years from harvest date.
Ratings & Reviews
"Made with Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot, this is a tight and beautifully enriched Tuscan red. The 2012 Cignale sees fruit in a hot vintage harvested from a cool, high-altitude vineyard site. This combination of extremes makes for fantastic results and produces a fine sense of balance and elegance. The wine is aged in French oak for two years and only 10,000 bottles are made. The finish shows soft fruit with earthy tones of button mushroom and underbrush that remind you of the rustic Chianti Classico countryside." - Monica Larner (Jan 2017)
93 Points - James Suckling:
"Aromas of sage, blueberry, and bark follow through to a medium body, fine tannins and tangy acidity. Delicious now but will age well. A solid cabernet sauvignon and merlot blend as always." (Jul 2016)